BISMARCK, N.D. - Nine North Dakota community college students have been named to the 2009 All-North Dakota Academic Team, which recognizes the academic achievement of community college students. They will be honored at a dinner and awards ceremony Wednesday, March 4, 2009, 6:30 p.m., at the Bismarck State College Student Union, Missouri Room.

Members of the 2009 All-North Dakota Academic Team, the colleges they attend and their hometowns are:

Kristin Eberhardt: North Dakota State College of Science, Wahpeton, N.D.

Amy Schlag: North Dakota State College of Science, Minot, N.D.

LaTricia Kelly: Williston State College, Williston, N.D.

"It is a real privilege to recognize the accomplishments of these nine students," said Bill Goetz, chancellor of the North Dakota University System. "Each of them is a role model of academic achievement and community involvement. They are living proof that North Dakota's community colleges do an outstanding job of preparing students to enter the world of work or to go on for additional education."

In North Dakota, the two-year college awards are co-sponsored by Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society and CTEC, the North Dakota University System College Technical Education Council. The all-state academic team recognition program is active in 37 states. Students named to the all-state team also are nominated for the All-USA Academic Team.

Nominations are based on outstanding academic performance and service to the college and community. Each member of the North Dakota team will receive a letter of congratulations from Gov. Hoeven, an award certificate, a medallion and a monetary award. Each team member also is eligible for scholarships from Minot State University, North Dakota State University, the University of Mary and the University of North Dakota.